What is the main point of this article?
The main point of the article under consideration is to show what habits modern college students have, how they cope with their workload, and whether they are experiencing stress at the same time. The authors seek “to explore the work habits of college students in a naturalistic education setting” (Conard, Barbour, & Marsh, 2017, p. 1). Also, the article considers additional indicators, namely the reasons for interruptions, distractions, as well as data on the effectiveness of working results. In addition, such a criterion as the continuity of work is considered to determine the possible burden of students and the success of solving certain tasks.
Describe the methodology used (include numbers of participants, controls, treatments, etc.)
As the basis for the study, six research questions were proposed according to which a specific intervention was conducted. On the whole, thirty-two students (nineteen males and thirteen females) were invited to participate in the study. The authors used an event contingent type of event sampling, and one of its main advantages is the absence of any biases (Conard et al., 2017). The participants were tested through various tests, and on the basis of the results obtained, appropriate visual curves and tables with data were compiled. Control over the execution of all tasks was carried out in order to prevent errors or misinterpretation of the tasks fulfillment.
Describe the findings
Based on the results of the study, it can be noted that college students who participated in the experiment demonstrated long periods of continuous work. Nevertheless, many of them experienced the discomfort caused by the lack of possibility to use mobile phones, and that figure was high enough because 99.5% of college students, as Conard et al. (2017) claim, owned such a device (p. 5). Also, the authors note that the study participants were able to effectively manage interruptions without serious consequences for the result of the work done (Conard et al., 2017). Breaks in work had no negative impact on the emotional state of students, which helped them to cope with the set tasks and correctly distribute the available time.
What, if anything, is notable about this article?
The article is interesting because non-standard assessment methods were used. Thus, for example, the authors did not use typical surveys or questionnaires in order to find out information from each participant. Instead, fascinating and, at the same time, effective tests were proposed, which were of interest to the researchers themselves and the members of the target group. Also, the mention of the role of mobile phones is significant. Conard et al. (2017) remark that when electronic devices are switched off, the time of interruptions that students do is reduced. This fact is notable and should certainly be taken into account.
What are specific details you find relevant to your own study topic?
One of the relevant details that can be traced in this topic is the mention of the role of electronic devices while performing certain tasks. Judging by the analyzed study, mobile gadgets significantly slow down the time of achieving final goals due to the fact that participants are regularly distracted and feel the need to realize that their devices are turned on. Accordingly, this topic can be the basis for additional research on the impact of the role of mobile devices on college students’ performance and work habits. Taking two target groups, it is possible to divide the participants, allowing one group to use the phone during breaks and forbidding the other one from doing it. This study will help to determine how much students are attached to their gadgets and how this addiction manifests itself.
Reference
Conard, M., Barbour, M., & Marsh, R. (2017). College student work habits, interruptions, and stress. i-Manager’s Journal on Educational Psychology, 10(4), 1-11.